Public sexual displays, such as those seen during Carnival festivities in Panama, are closer to facing severe penalties after Bill No. 169 advanced in the National Assembly. Currently, the proposal awaits a second debate in the legislative plenary. If it passes this stage and the final process, it could become Panamanian law after the Carnival, immediately changing the legal landscape for such behaviors in public spaces. Sentence of one to seven years. If enacted, those who engage in public sexual exposure would face prison sentences of 1 to 7 years, a sanction that could mark a strong shift against such behaviors commonly seen in mass celebrations. The proposal, presented by Deputy Manuel Cheng and approved in the Government Committee, seeks to curb sexual acts performed in public or freely accessible spaces, behaviors that tend to multiply in a festive environment. The initiative aims to reinforce respect for public space and protect minors and families participating in traditional activities such as 'culecos', parades, and stages. What many see as a 'party laxity' could become a serious crime.
Panama Bill Severe Penalties for Public Sexual Displays
Panama's Bill No. 169 proposes 1-7 year prison sentences for public sexual acts, aiming to protect families and public decency during events like Carnival.
